North West Leicestershire General Election candidates put their agendas forward ahead of July 4 polls
By Graham Hill
24th May 2024 | Local News
Some of the North West Leicestershire General Election candidates have given their views after the July 4 date was announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak this week.
Craig Smith (Conservatives), Amanda Hack (Labour) and Carl Benfield (Green) will be asking for your vote in six weeks' time, while the Liberal Democrats' candidate has still to be confirmed.
Sitting MP, Andrew Bridgen will be standing as an Independent candidate after being thrown out of the Conservative Party last year.
Mr Bridgen posted on social media and said: "Don't fall for the same old rubbish from the mainstream parties.
"Party politics itself is the problem.
"Independents are the solution. Make July 4 Independent's Day."
Smith, a Coalville-based Leicestershire County Councillor, said on social media: "It's the right time to ask the people who they want to run our great country for the next five years.
"Do they want a party that has led us through the greatest health emergency in all of our lifetimes?
"Do they want a party that stands up to oppressors throughout the world?
"Do they want a party with a strong track record that's leading us to economic growth once more?
"Better jobs, better homes and better lives for all of our children.
"In North West Leicestershire, you've got a choice of who will represent you down in Westminster.
"I love my community and I love being from North West Leicestershire.
"I'll represent you, because I'm one of you. I hope you'll send one of your own to Westminster."
Ms Hack, also a Leicestershire County Councillor, said she plans to 'hit the ground running' if elected.
She said: "I'm delighted that Rishi Sunak has finally set the date for the General Election and I am proud to launch my campaign to be the next Labour MP for North West Leicestershire.
"I have seen the damage that the Conservative party has done to this area and I know that Labour can transform it. I will be a strong voice in Westminster for the people of North West Leicestershire who have been neglected for too long.
"Coming from a working-class background, I am determined to change things so that people can enjoy everyday life without anxiety.
"People are rightfully worried about the cost of living, job security and public services that aren't fit for purpose.
"The Conservatives want you to 'stick with the plan', but people in North West Leicestershire know that plan isn't working and only Labour can be trusted to deliver the change this country needs.
"People in North West Leicestershire are ready for change and only a Labour government can deliver it."
The plan for North West Leicestershire will involve:
· Improving access to GPs and dentists and addressing NHS waiting times
· Working with police and residents to tackle antisocial behaviour and return to neighbourhood policing
· Making sure families have access to good schools and that children have opportunities to thrive in the community
· Championing local businesses and growing industry to benefit our communities."
Mr Benfield is an Ashby Town Councillor and has set out his Green agenda for the election.
He said: "I'm standing for election because every vote for the Greens sends a clear message to Government about the importance of tackling climate change, social justice and the need to fix our broken political system,
"After 16 years in the military and a further 16 years in business, I'm fed up with the way elements of our media influence both policy and the public.
"I'm fed up with adversarial politics. And I'm fed up with the lack of honesty and integrity that we've been promised again and again. It's time for real change."
The Liberal Democrat candidate for North West Leicestershire is set to be announced, while Noel Matthews will stand for the Reform Party.
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